An Alternative to Flowers

15 Feb

Grower Direct Flowers

Imagine the giggle when your youngest child walks up with their favorite flower stuffed in an envelope. “Can we mail this to Grandma?”

What at first appears to be a bargain may not be a bargain after all. Many online companies are marketing flowers that are “drop shipped” to your recipient. These flower deliveries have become known collectively as “Grower Direct.” Low prices have encouraged consumers to sample this new method of sending flowers across the country. Although, many recipients are finding out what gardeners have known for years.

When a flower is cut, water is essential for long lasting beauty. A fresh cut flower out of water is a flower dying. Gardeners have also developed techniques to further prolong the life of your flower arrangement. This step-by-step process has been adapted over the years to ensure your flowers last longer than just a couple of days. As growers began to focus on volume, florists evolved for care and handling of your flowers (i.e. processing and design.) “Grower Direct” flowers lack two important factors that improve the lifespan of your flower arrangement. The flowers are sent inside a box, often deprived of water for a period of up to 24 hours. They also bypass your local florist, whose skilled processing techniques ensure that your flowers will last longer.

Don’t second guess whether or not your flowers will arrive limp or smashed. Often these boxed deliveries sit waiting on a porch or at a reception center for hours. Flowers should be delivered in water or floral foam to ensure longevity and performance! After all, presentation is the key when expressing your sentiments with flowers. Asking your recipient to arrange their own flowers from a box may not be the impression you are looking to make. A professional florist is your best bet for a beautifully designed fresh floral gift for any occasion.

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design.

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13 Feb

The Magic of Flower Delivery

A few tips to make the miracle a little easier

A hundred years ago, it was a feat to get the simplest message across country. But today, with the widespread use of the Internet and the telephone, it is easy to express the appropriate sentiment to almost anyone in the world by sending a thoughtful gift of carefully selected flowers. You can order flowers by phone, online, by fax, or at your favorite local florist, with flower delivery available around the world. And just as technology has made the process easier, so will these quick tips.

Same day delivery
Most leading florists provide same day delivery nationwide, as long as you order by mid-day. This is especially useful for sudden emergencies or forgotten occasions. But whenever possible, it’s a good idea to order flowers one or two days in advance, particularly at Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, or similar gift-giving occasions. In addition, you may want to consider having your flowers delivered the afternoon before a particular event, both to ensure they are are enjoyed throughout the big day and to provide a cushion for redelivery just in case the recipient is not home when your flowers first arrive. Being a day early never hurts, but being a day late can! Otherwise, for same day delivery across most of the U.S. and Canada, simply order in the morning. In most cases, your flowers can arrive that afternoon.

Work with your florist
If you order flowers by phone, tell your florist the sentiment you want to communicate. Remember, your florist is the expert, so don’t feel that you have to know the name of every particular flower. Just mention the occasion, your relationship to the recipient, and if you have any favorite flowers or colors in mind. Allowing the florist to assist you with the selection of flowers and to design a bouquet just for you will often result in the best overall gift for your budget. So, you’ll be more pleased with your flower delivery.

Before you order…
Have the spelling of the recipient’s name and his or her complete delivery address ready, including any apartment number, company name, suite, or floor number. Delivery to “Susie” at “Rockafellar Center” probably won’t cut it. The recipient’s phone number is also very helpful to ensure delivery, and may sometimes be required. After all, you want your flowers to arrive at the right place on the right day. So, make sure you’ve got your facts straight.

Express yourself
As important as the flowers are, if you don’t take a few moments to think about the card message, your sentiment could be lost. Florists will include a small enclosure card free of charge, and larger gift cards are also available. Have a short message ready when you call, or ask for your florist’s advice. If you order flowers online, most sites will have suggestions for you. The important thing is to express yourself simply and personally. It makes your flower delivery gift all that more special. Also remember to include the sender(s) name(s) on the card, so the recipient knows who to thank.

If you are ordering flowers online…
Remember that web sites can’t show every flower arrangement. There is an infinite number of combinations possible, so don’t be afraid to call if you don’t see what you are looking for. Florists excel at creating beautiful one-of-a-kind designs for almost every taste and budget to help you send just the right message with every flower delivery.

The magical result
Sending flowers is a wonderful way to say, “thanks”, “cheer up”, “feel better soon”, “congratulations”, or “I love you”. You can send flowers almost anywhere on almost any day, and there is something magical about how they make people feel. Floral gifts show how much you care, and at the same time they say a lot about you, the sender. Look to your local florist for help or visit your favorite online flower shop. You’ll find that the age-old tradition of giving flowers is very much alive, and easier than you may think.

From the fresh flowers family at 1-800-Florals flower delivery

Permission is granted to republish this article in its entirety on the Internet, as long as the credit and link above are included.

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06 Feb

Celebrate Graduation!

Graduation is a time for celebration! Send that special graduate a gift to celebrate this memorable occasion! Your local florist can provide the perfect gift that says “Congratulations!”

Wrapped Bouquets are a popular item for presentation. Be sure to present your wrapped flowers when they can be placed in water. Taking them to a ceremony will mean they will be out of water for a substantial time and the flowers will not last as long. Consider bringing a vase along to keep the flowers fresh while at an event. Another option is to ask your florist to place water tubes on the stems of wrapped bouquets.

Send a beautiful vase of flowers with some festive “Congratulations” balloons! Popular color choices for a floral gift of celebration are reds, blues, yellow, oranges and purples.

A long lasting plant, dish garden or European basket would be very appropriate to send as a “Congratulations” gift! With your special message, this gift will be enjoyed for months, even years to come and can provide a lasting memory of graduation.

A Gourmet Gift Basket filled with delicious treats is always a welcome surprise. Ask your local florist about the many options available for gift baskets for the graduate!

Remember, To get the best value for your money, order directly from the florist that will be designing & delivering your order. Flowers create a sense of happiness, wellness and optimism. They are a perfect expression of celebration for graduation!

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design.

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